A Talent for War: An Alex Benedict Novel

Everyone knew the legend of Christopher Sim. Fighter. Leader. An interstellar hero with a rare talent for war, Sim changed mankind's history forever when he forged a ragtag group of misfits into the weapon that broke the back of the alien Ashiyyur. But now, Alex Benedict has found a startling bit of information, long buried in an ancient computer file. If it is true, then Christopher Sim was a fraud.

Time Travelers Never Die

When physicist Michael Shelborne mysteriously vanishes, his son Shel discovers that he had constructed a time travel device. Fearing his father may be stranded in time---or worse---Shel enlists Dave Dryden, a linguist, to accompany him on the rescue mission.

The Engines of God

Humans call them Monument-Makers. An unknown race, they left stunning alien statues scattered on distant planets throughout the galaxy, encoded with strange inscriptions that defy translation. Searching for clues about the Monument-Makers, teams of 23rd century linguists, historians, engineers and archaeologists have been excavating the enigmatic alien ruins on a number of planets, uncovering strange, massive false cities made of solid rock. But their time is running out.

Thunderbird

A working stargate dating back more than 10,000 years has been discovered in North Dakota, on a Sioux reservation near Devils Lake. Travel through the gate currently leads to three equally mysterious destinations: (1) an apparently empty garden world, quickly dubbed Eden; (2) a strange maze of underground passageways; and (3) a space station with a view of a galaxy that appears to be the Milky Way.

Dragon Teeth: A Novel

The year is 1876. Warring Indian tribes still populate America's western territories, even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country, it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils while surveilling, deceiving, and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.

Artifact

Deep in the Indian Ocean, Dr. Selene Khan enters an underwater dome thousands of years old, one that is fully operational. She barely escapes to the surface, only to discover that her research vessel has vanished. Can she make it to shore 100 miles away? On the other side of the world, Agent Jack Elliot uncovers an impossible 900 grams of antimatter. The trail leads him to Egypt, betrayal, and a sinister brainwashing facility. There, in a desperate move, he rescues Dr. Selene Khan.

Not Alone

When Dan McCarthy stumbles upon a folder containing evidence of the conspiracy to end all conspiracies - a top-level alien cover-up - he leaks the files without a second thought. The incredible truth revealed by Dan's leak immediately captures the public's imagination, but Dan's relentless commitment to exposing the cover-up and forcing disclosure quickly earns him some enemies in high places.

The Late Show

Renée Ballard works the night shift in Hollywood, beginning many investigations but finishing none, as each morning she turns her cases over to day shift detectives. A once up-and-coming detective, she's been given this beat as punishment after filing a sexual harassment complaint against a supervisor. But one night she catches two cases she doesn't want to part with: the brutal beating of a prostitute left for dead in a parking lot and the killing of a young woman in a nightclub shooting. Ballard is determined not to give up at dawn.

Rebel Fleet

They hunt us. They bomb our worlds for target practice. A star cluster in the constellation of Orion rotates once every 1,000 years. Those who rule there have an ancient tradition: When each cycle ends, they train their fleets by spilling the blood of lesser beings. The enemy fleets are coming again. In response, the Rebel Worlds gather their starships to face the terrifying threat, and this time humanity is asked to stand with them. The last time they considered Earth, Vikings in longboats were raiding English coastlines. Today, we're less primitive. Today, we're a target.

JohnJSS says:"B. V. Larson didn't seem to put as much effort into this one."

Warship: Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 1

In the 25th century, humans have conquered space. The advent of faster-than-light travel has opened up hundreds of habitable planets for colonization, and humans have exploited the virtually limitless space and resources for hundreds of years with impunity. So complacent have they become with the overabundance that armed conflict is a thing of the past, and their machines of war are obsolete and decrepit. What would happen if they were suddenly threatened by a terrifying new enemy?

Vanguard: The Genesis Fleet, Book 1

Earth is no longer the center of the universe. After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist. When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a onetime enlisted marine.

Battle Cruiser: Lost Colonies, Book 1

One starship will either save Earth or destroy her. A century ago our star erupted, destroying Earth's wormhole network and closing off trade with her colonized planets. After being out of contact with the younger worlds for so many years, humanity is shocked when a huge ship appears at the edge of the solar system. Our outdated navy investigates, both curious and fearful. What they learn from the massive vessel shocks the planet.

Old Man's War: Old Man's War, Book 1

At 75 years old, John Perry is after a fresh start - so, naturally, he joins the army. Earth's military machine can transform elderly recruits, restoring their lost youth. But in return, its Colonial Defence Force demands two years of hazardous service in space. This is how Perry finds himself in a new body crafted from his original DNA. A genetically enhanced and upgraded new body, ready for battle. But upgrades alone won't keep Perry safe. He'll be fighting for his life on the front line as he defends humanity's colonies.

A Learning Experience, Book 1

When a bunch of interstellar scavengers approach Earth intending to abduct a few dozen humans and sell them into slavery in the darkest, they make the mistake of picking on Steve Stuart and his friends, ex-military veterans all. Unprepared for humans who can actually fight, unaware of the true capabilities of their stolen starships, the scavengers rapidly lose control of the ship - and their lives.

The Templar Legacy

The ancient order of the Knights Templar possessed untold wealth and absolute power over kings and popes until the Inquisition, when they were wiped from the face of the earth, their hidden riches lost. But now two forces vying for the treasure have learned that it is not at all what they thought it was, and its true nature could change the modern world.

The Spaceship Next Door

When a spaceship landed in an open field in the quiet mill town of Sorrow Falls, Massachusetts, everyone realized humankind was not alone in the universe. With that realization everyone freaked out for a little while. Or almost everyone. The residents of Sorrow Falls took the news pretty well. This could have been due to a certain local quality of unflappability, or it could have been that in three years the ship did exactly nothing other than sit quietly in that field, and nobody understood the full extent of this nothing the ship was doing better than the people who lived right next door.

Gateway

When prospector Bob Broadhead went out to Gateway on the Heechee spacecraft, he decided he would know which was the right mission to make him his fortune. Three missions later, now famous and permanently rich, Robinette Broadhead has to face what happened to him and what he is...in a journey into himself as perilous and even more horrifying than the nightmare trip through the interstellar void that he drove himself to take!

The Ember War: Publisher's Pack, Books 1-2

The Ember War, book 1: The Earth is doomed. Humanity has a chance. In the near future, an alien probe arrives on Earth with a pivotal mission: to determine if humanity has what it takes to survive the impending invasion by a merciless armada. The probe discovers Marc Ibarra, a young inventor who holds the key to a daring gambit that could save a fraction of Earth's population. Humanity's only chance lies with Ibarra's ability to keep a terrible secret and engineer the planet down the narrow path to survival.

Publisher's Summary

Two science fiction masters—Jack McDevitt and Mike Resnick—team up to deliver a classic thriller in which one man uncovers the secret history of the US space program…

Early in his career, Jerry Culpepper could never have been accused of being idealistic. Doing public relations—even for politicians—was strictly business...until he was hired as NASA’s public affairs director and discovered a client he could believe in. Proud of the agency’s history and sure of its destiny, he was thrilled to be a part of its future—a bright era of far-reaching space exploration.

But public disinterest and budget cuts changed that future. Now, a half century after the first moon landing, Jerry feels like the only one with stars—and unexplored planets and solar systems—in his eyes. Still, Jerry does his job, trying to drum up interest in the legacy of the agency. Then a 50-year-old secret about the Apollo XI mission is revealed, and he finds himself embroiled in the biggest controversy of the twenty-first century, one that will test his ability—and his willingness—to spin the truth about a conspiracy of reality-altering proportions...

Would you consider the audio edition of The Cassandra Project to be better than the print version?

Don't think one is superior to the other unless you want to drive and read.

Any additional comments?

Jack McDevitt's Alex Benedict Series is one of my favorites. Reading an Alex Benedict book is like boarding a speeding train with no way and no wish to get off until it’s over. The characters are good friends and the world is exciting. You live in it rather than just hearing about it. So, of course, I had to give this book a try. I liked it and recognized McDevitt's hand in it -- all the way to the end (I felt a bit let down by the ending -- wish I could tell you why without spoiling it for you). Not as good as the Benedict Series, but worth a credit. If I could give the story two ratings, I would rate the book 4 and ending 3.

McDevitt & Resnick have crafted what is billed as sci-fi, but in truth, the story is one of a massive governmental coverup coming to light after 50 years. The tale is set in 2019, 50 years after the first moon landing. As part of the commemoration, NASA releases a deluge of archived material which leads to hints that Apollo 11 may not have been the first. No one in any position of authority seems to know the real story that could explain the apparent confusion.

The pursuit of the truth occurs simultaneously by three individuals, the NASA spokesman, a billionaire planning a return visit to the moon, and the sitting president. Each has different motives and each uncovers independent clues that continue to add to the evolving quandary. In fact, it is revealed that the Soviets must have been in on the deception. Sadly, at no time, does any participant utter the possibility that every listener will jump to from the beginning. The denouement is less than satisfying, although understandable by 1969 standards, but not today. The reframing of Watergate through its involvement in the coverup is a nice touch as well.

Sadly, there is no sci-fi at all (sci-fi becomes a macguffin). The story could theoretically take place today. This is a classic political mystery where the truth behind a 50 year old coverup is almost completely lost as the former participants die off.

The narration is well done. The pace of the writing and the narration is slow and plodding. The characters are straight out of central casting with few endearing qualities.

I have never listened to an audio book a second time, but this one would enter the list if I needed to. This is a fascinating listen, with sharp twists, a great plot and excellent narration. I enjoyed "Echo" a great deal, and this continues that broad thread.

What does Brian Holsopple bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is authentic, almost casual,and genuinely unforced. I have not heard him as much as I know want, and will do so. He brings this book to life, and is so good on this one, that I will likely look for audio books just read by him. Excellent!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely. I was addicted.

Any additional comments?

More from this team are worthwhile, as is your time to this book. Get it, and enjoy it!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Both McDevitt and Resnick are capable of really good writing, and this book contains some good examples of their craft. The characters are well developed and convincing. The plot however is contrived and gimmicky and makes mistakes that some would overlook and others would call fatal as they weave some genuine historical events in with the fictional events of the story. The narrative was interesting enough to keep one going, but the climax of the story ends up being a disappointing, timeworn cliche. They could have ended with a bang, but instead ended with a fizzle.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jack McDevitt and Mike Resnick again?

Both authors are capable of better work. Perhaps their next collaboration will be more successful.

What about Brian Holsopple’s performance did you like?

Brian Holsopple's narration was quite good, better than the book he was reading.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I wouldn't go see this as a movie, but I might watch it on television if nothing else were on.

What did you like best about The Cassandra Project? What did you like least?

The premise of the book was interesting. The thing I like least was the execution. The ending was very underwhelming.

If you’ve listened to books by Jack McDevitt and Mike Resnick before, how does this one compare?

I read a lot of older Jack McDevitt but this is my first audio book of his. I've never read any of Resnick's work (or listened). I would consider this one not McDevitt's best work. It had an interesting story but there were several times during the story where I was wishing they would just spit it out. It dragged on for what seemed like forever, just to get to a lackluster conclusion.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Brian Holsopple?

James Marsters. He's probably my favorite narrator.

Was The Cassandra Project worth the listening time?

I'd have to say no. I might end up returning this one. I'd added it to my wish list a long time ago and kept passing it over in favor of other things until I recently made the commitment to clear out all the stuff that's accumulated there. Now I wish I'd kept passing it over. It's an entirely forgettable read and the authors took the easy way out.

Any additional comments?

This could have been a much more interesting book but instead you're left with a very long build-up and very little satisfaction at the end. And the narrator, Brian Holsopple, made everyone sound like a grandfather or grandmother. Everyone in the book sounded 65 or above. I thought the book was filled with octogenarians. Granted, there were a decent amount of old people that had small roles in the story, but old should not be the default for everyone.

What made the experience of listening to The Cassandra Project the most enjoyable?

Very entertaining plus it makes your mind think different ways. The space program is wonderful and wish other countries could contbibute the exploying space and the solar system. We could do this if we people of earth could learn to get along with each other. Us on earth can be so greater than it is already. Spend the resorces where they will make the best gain.

Ripped from 1970, the characters and the writing have not aged well. The only positive I can offer is that the premise is intriguing and will keep your interest. But that is too generous. The characters are poorly developed and anachronistic in their dialogue.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I have read almost all Jack McDevitt books and despite the similarity of their plots, there have been enough differences to make each unique. I have enjoyed them from 5 stars to 3.5 stars. They are usually set in the far future - that is not so different from today - but this was set in America now, although not much else changed. I feel that the 'humour' in the book was probably down to Mike Resnick as it didn't seem familiar. The clues built up, gradually revealing more, but I felt the finale was a let down and - in part - preposterous. I was left as flat as I was by The daVinci Code.I thought the narrator did well and can't be blamed for my disappointment.

Could you see The Cassandra Project being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

No!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Rosie

Australia

12/29/12

Overall

"Great Narrator, Lousy Story"

I read the short story version of the Cassandra Project a couple of years back and quite enjoyed it. When I heard Mc Devitt was doing a full length version I thought, hmmm he will need to expand the story a fair bit to make it work. Well the sad reality was that he didn't. He simply kept the same basic story and then padded it with a lot of lame conversations between people who don't know anything or can't remember what happened back at NASA more than 50 years ago, funny about that. We end up with wooden characters, lame dialogue and an ending that was hardly worth the effort of getting there. Lame, very lame.

PS. The narrator was excellent and certainly gave it his best shot.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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